Ms. Gail Wagenknecht Hurley

Gail Wagenknecht Hurley, 83, of Lenox passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, August 21, 2026. Born in Pittsfield June 18, 1943, the daughter of Edward M. Wagenknecht and Anna “Edna” C. Duquette, Gail was a 1961 graduate of St Joseph’s High School. She attended BCC and later transferred to the University of Bridgeport, CT, graduating with a BS in Secondary Education. Gail began her career as a math teacher in Berkshire County teaching at Pittsfield High, Taconic High, and in-home tutoring. While teaching a specialized math program at Notre Dame Middle School in Pittsfield, Gail also taught a math program at BCC, positions she held while raising her three children. In the mid-1990’s, Gail took a 2-year teaching position in Managua, Nicaragua before teaching in the Boston area for 3 years. After decades of teaching she shifted to elder care, providing day care at a senior center in Somerville, MA and activities coordination at a nursing home in Delmar, NY. In recent years, Gail enjoyed working at Tanglewood during the summer months and traveling between the East and West Coasts to spend time with family and friends. Gail is survived by her children, Jamie Hurley (Emily) of Peterborough, NH, Meri-Beth Strevell (Scot) of Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, and Sean Hurley (Katie) of El Segundo, CA. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Sarah Hurley-Curran (Josh), Rachel Hurley, Brendan and Kyra Russo (fiancé Frank Rainville), Riley and Liam Hurley, Ryan and TJ Strevell, and by her former husband, Gerard Hurley (Christine) of Pittsfield. Gail loved being a mother and a grandmother, always supportive and anxious to hear about their interests as well as attending their plays, concerts, graduations, races and games. Memorable for Gail was her trip to London in May 2024 with her daughter, Meri-Beth, to visit her granddaughter, Kyra, who was pursuing her master’s degree in the UK. Quick-witted and always willing to share advice, Gail was a confidant to many. She never hesitated to interject what “should be” or how it “should have been,” exemplifying why she insisted that the song “My Way,” performed by Elvis Presley (Gail’s favorite), be played during her services. Determined to go where she wanted when she wanted, she managed to get around even as she no longer felt safe behind the wheel. She would hop on a bus or train to get where she wanted to be. Her years spent at the Curtis in Lenox were filled with discussions on the porch in nice weather, visitors stopping by to share food and conversation, and graciously-offered help, both received and given to others. Her family extends sincere thanks to those who were supportive of Gail during the past few years, including Kevin, the Lenox van driver, Liz at the Community Center, and several close friends, who took her to appointments, lunches, and shopping. In addition, her family recognizes the essential services provided by Elder Services of Berkshire County. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Gail will be Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Calling hours at the funeral home will be directly prior to the service, from 11am to 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to Elder Services of Berkshire County.

Ms. Gail Wagenknecht Hurley

June 18, 1943 - August 21, 2026